(JARED'S POV)I instantly stepped on the brake pedal, reversing the car, and speeding off in the direction of the restaurant. On arrival, true to the reporter's words, the restaurant had been in a fire accident.My heart continued to thud as I approached the crowd of people compromising the fire department, customers, and staff. I used my eyes to search for Arielle.With each passing moment that I didn't set eyes on her, my heart clenched in my chest, as I tried not to think of the worst. When I couldn't find her in the crowd, I decided to approach any of the staff. Who knows, maybe she was absent from work today. With that feeble consolation, I approached Rebecca, whom I had spotted."Hey, Rebecca, are you alright?" I asked, genuinely concerned and not because I wanted information from her only.She looked at me, surprised but nodded. "Y–yes, I'm fine, thanks.""I'm so sorry about what happened," I said, and then glancing around, asked, "Where's Arielle?"She looked at me like one
(JARED'S POV)"What do you think your mother wants to talk to us about?" Sofia asked, breaking the silence in the car.We were on the way to my mother's place for dinner the next day, and Sofia wouldn't stop worrying about the motive behind the invitation.I shrugged. "I don't know.""I hope it's not for something bad," she went on."Yeah, me too."We drove in silence for a few more moments until Sofia spoke up again. "Are you sure you're okay? Your mood hasn't been your best since you returned home yesterday.""I'm fine," I responded, keeping my eyes fixed on the road. There was no way I was going to tell her that I had been worried about Arielle since yesterday. No way. It was going to cause another rift.Sofia nodded and looked out the window.We soon arrived at my mother's house, and the butler was already waiting at the door to take our coats. My mother was a fan of having numerous staff with different job descriptions, unlike me, who liked my space."Welcome, sir, Madam," th
(ARIELLE'S POV) I had arrived in Italy and settled in, although the first week was a maze of orientation and waiting for students who had delays in arrival, to arrive. The academy provided accommodations, but I chose to stay outside campus due to my pregnant state. I got a decent apartment and spent the week touring the city, registering for antenatal in a hospital, and keeping in touch with Mom and Ashley. But none of it filled the emptiness gnawing inside me. Late at night, when the city was quiet and my thoughts drifted back to Jared and the child I had lost, I felt the weight of it all. I tried hard to stay distracted, burying myself in activities so I wouldn’t have to remember those painful memories. Classes finally began, and during a break, I stepped out for some fresh air. As I made my way through the courtyard, my heart skipped a beat.A familiar figure caught my eye—broad shoulders, tall frame, dark hair... My breath hitched. Jared?But when he turned around, I imme
(JARED'S POV)Eight months—it’s been eight months, but it feels like an eternity. My life has spiraled in ways I never anticipated, and not for the better. Sofia and I... we were never meant to be. I see that now.What started as an escape—maybe from my own demons—has become another prison, one I built with my own hands. Regret gnaws at me, but it’s too late. Too late to fix what I’ve broken.The moment Sofia lost the baby, everything changed. I wasn’t ready for it—not for the life she carried, and certainly not for its loss. But as the weight of the grief sank in, I realized it wasn’t just her child I was mourning.It was the child I lost with Arielle.The one I could have had. The one I wasn’t there for.I can still hear Sofia’s voice from that day—shrill, desperate. It rings in my ears even now, haunting me in quiet moments.(Flashback)I was knee-deep in paperwork, trying to escape into the dull routine of the office when my phone buzzed on my desk. Sofia’s name flashed on the scr
(JARED’S POV) I watched in horror as Sofia's grip on the laptop tightened. "Sofia, please," I begged, trying to keep my voice low and not aggravate things. "Don't do this. That laptop has very important files and contacts." "Important files and contacts?" she sneered. "Or just important contacts?" "Sofia, stop this," I warned, my patience wearing off. "I'll stop when you fire that secretary of yours," she spat. My jaws clenched, as I paused to weigh my options. I couldn't afford to lose these files. "Fine, I'll fire her." Sofia's expression changed a little now, a sly smile spreading on her face. "Do it now." I grabbed the intercom, my hands heavy with reluctance. "Brooke, you're fired, effective immediately." Brooke's voice came through the intercom. "Sir, please...what did I do?" But I ended the call, unable to best her pleas. "Satisfied?" I asked Sofia, my eyes hard, and my tone cold. "No," she replied, her eyes glinting mischievously. "Promise you'll come hom
(JARED'S POV) At the close of work, I packed up, ready to leave. I was reluctant to go home at first, but then, I had to if I didn't want Sofia to create another scene. And besides, I couldn't keep running away from my own house. On arriving home, Sofia welcomed me with a hug. I recoiled at her touch, I've been doing that lately. It amazed me how she could act normal after the stunt she pulled at my office earlier. "Hey, how was your day?" She asked, her voice dripping with fake sweetness that I could decipher. "Fantastic, all thanks to you," I responded sarcastically while moving toward the stairs. Her smile faltered, but she said nothing. I got inside my room, our room rather, because Sofia had insisted on moving in since we were engaged and soon to be married. Just then, my phone rang. It was my mother calling. "Hello, Mom," I answered. "My dear, how're you?" Her familiar soothing voice breezed in. "I'm fine, Mom. Just got back from work." "Alright. I have som
(JARED'S POV)Her name, in her handwriting. Keeping a diary? This is too old-shool, just what Arielle would do. How could I never realize she had this habit? My pulse quickened as I skimmed through the next few pages, my eyes searching for anything—anything that would bring me closer to understanding what I had lost.I came upon an entry, and the words on the page seemed to leap out at me."I discovered I was pregnant today. I’ve been having the symptoms, so I went to see a doctor. It’s confirmed, I’m going to be a mother! I can’t wait to tell Jared… he’s going to be so happy."The excitement in her words hit me like a punch to the gut. I could almost hear her voice in my head, the same way she used to look at me with that hopeful smile. My hands tightened around the diary as my chest constricted painfully. Our child.I flipped to the next page, my eyes scanning the next entry."I was going to break the news to Jared tonight at our anniversary dinner, but he left on a work call and ha
(Jared's POV)My hands trembled as I closed the diary, barely processing the words still echoing in my mind. Just then, I heard footsteps outside the door, snapping me out of my daze.The door creaked open, and Sofia strode in, her face already set in its usual frown. She stopped when she saw me, her eyes narrowing with suspicion."Sofia," I rasped, my throat tight, "we need to talk."She paused, eyebrows raised. "What’s this about?"I didn’t answer right away. Instead, I held up the diary. "Do you recognize this?"Her eyes flickered—recognition, maybe fear—but she quickly masked it with indifference. "No. Why would I?""I think you do," I said, my voice low but steady. "Look closer."She hesitated, taking the diary from my hands, her fingers brushing over the worn cover. "It’s just a diary, Jared." She pushed it back to me, dismissively. "Where did you find this?"I ignored her question. "Did you hide it?"Her eyes darted, the discomfort obvious now. "Why would I hide something like
(ARIELLE'S POV)One of the drunken men seemed to recognize Jared. He whispered to the others, "Could these bitches know Smith?"The second man scoffed, dismissing the idea. “Impossible. They must be some pathetic women trying to cling to the riches.” His words were thick with condescension as he took a step closer, reaching for my arm. I jerked away, my voice rising in anger. “Take your hand off me!”Jared froze. He turned slowly, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the situation.I held my , desperate for him to intervene, praying he'd come to our rescue.But I got the greatest shock of my life.Jared barely glanced in our direction. His gaze was icy, detached—like we were invisible.Oliver hesitated, his uncertainty clear, but Jared spoke first, his voice cool and calm. "We just came out to get some air, Oliver." He motioned to the chaos without a flicker of emotion. "Don't get involved in something we don’t know about."I saw the tension in Oliver’s shoulders as he clearly wanted to
(ARIELLE'S POV)When I arrived at the club nearly 40 minutes later, Dwayne's subordinate, Claire, was already waiting for me at the entrance. As usual, she was imposing and had a stern expression on her face. "This way, please," she said politely, but firmly. Safely guiding me through the crowded club, and expertly navigating through the body of partying people. I silently thanked Dwayne. He always had my back, even in situations like this.We walked past the bar, where a bartender was mixing all manner of drinks, ranging from the ones with weird colors to the ones that caught fire, and people flanked him on all sides, downing glasses upon glasses.As we continued walking, I couldn't help the feeling of unease that was increasingly crawling under my skin. The club was dimly lit, but bright enough to make out anyone. It was the kind of a place where anything could happen, and I couldn't help but grow even more worried for Ashley.Then, unexpectedly, I bumped into someone I never tho
(ARIELLE’S POV)Both Ashley and her mom looked up at me simultaneously, their eyes wide with surprise. Mrs Thompson's expression was that of relief, her face relaxing as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. Ashley, on the other hand, was more of confusion than surprise, her brows furrowed together."I promise, I'll see what I can do," I added, trying not to give them false hope. I didn’t want to disappoint them, not after agreeing to help.Mrs Thompson nodded, her warm smile returning to her face. "I'm so grateful, thank you, Arielle," she said, her voice filled with emotions. She was on the brink of tears.And before I knew it, Mrs Thompson was pulling me into a hug. I reciprocated, wrapping my arms around her and holding her close, while trying to avoid meeting Ashley's eyes, which had a questioning look in them.After disengaging from the hug, I declared my intention to leave. "I should get going," I said, glancing at my phone. "Maverick will be worried by now, he's alo
(ARIELLE’S POV)Ashley leaned over the partition between the drivers side and passengers side, crooning her neck so he could hear her. "Excuse me, I'm sorry, but we'll have to reverse and take Margaux home, first.""Alright, Ma," the driver said, and immediately put the car in reverse. As we sped off, I was glad I was able to take care of Margaux for her grandparents. All I wanted was to get her home safely, and then Ashley and I would take a cab to her mother's place.We all settled into silence, with the gentle snoring of Margaux, and the sound of the car's engine and the occasional passing cars breaking the stillness.Soon, the car pulled up at Harrison's house, a warm and cozy Victorian home with a beautifully trimmed lawn. We sent the driver to call the butler to take Margaux in."Thank you so much, guys," Margaux said, her voice sleepy, as the butler helped her out of the car. She stretched, arching her back, and then smiled at us."No problem, take care," Ashley and I responded
(ARIELLE'S POV) Sofia even gave me a slightly apologetic glance as she passed by, holding onto Jared’s arm. I must’ve looked like a fool, standing there like that. Ashley, already rolling up her sleeve and shaking her fist, muttered, "I'll go ask him what he means by this." "Don't pull me!" I heard her protest as Roman grabbed her arm. Margaux, sighing, interjected, "Why don't we listen to what Arielle has to say first?" Ashley spun around to face me, her expression fierce. "Ari, don't worry about it. I'll find out exactly what's going on." I shook my head. "Don’t ask him. We have nothing to do with each other anymore." Ashley’s face shifted through several emotions before she finally spoke. "What do you mean?" "I mean," I paused, gathering my thoughts, "we had a fight a few days ago, and I told him that we’re done. We have nothing left between us." Silence hung in the air for a long moment. Ashley just stood there, calming down as she processed my words. Roman, seemingly
(ARIELLE'S POV)7pm, the Grand Imperial Hotel."You’ve got to pull yourself together," I said to myself, splashing cold water on my face.The afternoon had passed in a blur—probably because my mind kept drifting.Stephen had handled everything, and I arrived 20 minutes early. Now, I found myself here, stuck in this awkward limbo. How hard could it be? Negotiate with dealers, help clients solve problems, assist blind dates, and maybe catch my ex-husband in the act?“If I get through tonight, I’m buying a lottery ticket,” I murmured, a bitter smile crossing my lips.I checked the time again, then left the bathroom, taking a seat closer to the table with the sea view.That’s when I spotted Margaux, the young woman supposedly the Harrisons' granddaughter, waiting for her date.She looked delicate, calm, almost ethereal in a beautiful blue dress—something straight out of a French film. She had this quiet, classical elegance about her. It was hard to believe she was the rebellious granddau
(ARIELLE'S POV)"Thank you, still," Mrs. Harrison said, her eyes persistent.I nodded, smiling warmly. "You're welcome," I said, realizing the older woman had no intention of backing off unless she heard those words.She smiled, seeming to relax now. "And Mrs Harrison," I called, my voice taking a serious tone."Yes?" she responded, looking up at me expectantly, her husband beside her. Thankfully, his complexion had returned to normal, and he seemed back to his usual self."You know, as we get older, our eating habits change. Some foods become harder to chew, so we need to replace them with softer options," I began carefully.Mr. Harrison sighed, looking a little uncomfortable. "We’re always so cautious about what we eat," he said, as if weighing his words. "Sorry if we caused any trouble."I shook my head with a reassuring smile. "Not at all, sir. Actually, we have some options on the menu that I personally designed for guests like you—things like tender meats, pureed soups, soft ri
(ARIELLE'S POV)"Mommy, Uncle Dwayne and I are taking the dogs out for their evening walk. We won’t stay long, love you!" Maverick's voice rang out from the porch.I was in the kitchen, trying to get dinner together while he was out with Dwayne, who had just shown up a few minutes ago."Alright," I called back, and soon, I heard their retreating footsteps and the happy barks of the dogs.Sighing, I covered the cooking pot of pasta and went to sit at the kitchen table. The evening was cool and lovely, sunlight streaming through the windows, but my thoughts? Not so peaceful.It’s been a week since my fight with Jared, and I hadn't heard from him since. Dwayne, on the other hand—despite his busy schedule with the whole business expansion thing—still made time every evening to take the dogs for their walks with Maverick. With three dogs now, their little routine had become part of their day, like clockwork.Every time I looked at the golden retriever puppy, I couldn't help but think about
(JARED'S POV)I felt something snap and twist inside of me. The news hit me harder than I expected, and for a moment, my anger towards her evaporated. Sofia kept talking, her voice small, apologetic. “Jared… I wasn’t supposed to interrupt you with all this, it’s my mum—she asked me to—”But she was cut off by her mother’s steely gaze. I watched as Mrs. Gold's grip on her daughter's wrist tightened, almost painfully, as if she could crush Sofia’s hand into silence. My eyes flicked back to Sofia—there was something so vulnerable about her now. It hit me like a punch to the gut. I stared at her longer than I should have, unable to look away from the pain and helplessness reflected in her eyes.Mrs. Gold broke the silence with a sharp, accusing tone, her voice like the crack of a whip. “You see, Jared, we’ve been trying to get your family to help us. After all, I saved your mother’s life those years ago…”I could feel my eye twitch with the familiar irritation. There she goes again, u